MEMA WEATHER ADVISORY: Heavy snow for eastern Massachusetts

Friday

Jan 6, 2017 at 10:11 AMJan 6, 2017 at 10:33 AM

Heavy snow expected Saturday through all of eastern Massachusetts

The National Weather Service (NWS) Taunton has increased forecast confidence for heavy snow farther inland Saturday afternoon and evening. The Winter Storm Watch has been expanded through all of eastern Massachusetts, this includes the Boston to Providence corridor.

Snow will redevelop Saturday morning and then overspread the Commonwealth Saturday afternoon. Snow will taper off Saturday night from west to east. There is a moderate risk (30-60 percent chance) of more than six inches of snowfall through eastern Massachusetts. The risk is higher across Plymouth County into Cape Cod and the Islands, where snow accumulations of 8 to 15 inches are possible.

The steadiest and heaviest snow will likely fall late Saturday afternoon and evening. Snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour are possible with potentially heavier snowfall rates across southeast Massachusetts. The latest forecast trends have been for a stronger ocean storm and tracking closer to the region. If this trend continues, the Winter Storm Watch may need to be expanded slightly farther west into central Massachusetts.

Storm impacts

· Gusty northeast winds up to 40 mph along the eastern Massachusetts coast will result in considerable blowing and drifting snow along with poor visibility.

· Treacherous travel conditions late Saturday afternoon and evening.

For a complete local forecast visit our media partner, WCVB.

Preparedness and safety information

· Safety and preparedness tips for extreme cold are available at: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/emergencies/cold/

· Power outage preparedness and safety information is available at: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/emergencies/power-outage/

Stay informed

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools, including the live snowfall forecast map: